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This Just In: What You Should Do Seconds Before You Meet Your Blind Date

Going on a blind date this week? Here’s a little tip about making a first impression. “It takes only seven seconds for us to judge another person when we first meet them,” says Linda Blair, clinical psychologist and author of Straight Talking. As she explained it to the Daily Mail, “It’s not a conscious process, so we don’t even realize we’re doing it—but it goes back to our primitive roots when we couldn’t afford to make wrong decisions.” In other words, we’re looking to see if we should feel threatened, but we’re also assessing our attraction and making assumptions about personality.

Here’s the kicker: even though we are quick to judge, it doesn’t stop us from forgetting about the signals we’re giving out. We don’t realize it, but we often arrive at a date looking stressed, moody, or anxious. Of course we’ll warm up and show our charming selves later, but, says Judi James, author of The Body Language Bible, we need to hit the ground running and show who we really are in that first seven seconds. If you look unhappy or nervous, people assume that’s how you are—always.

Nail that first impression with these tips:

Before you open the door to the restaurant or bar, pause for a moment, advises James. Breathing out gently will relax you and remove the tension that might show in your face or posture.

Stand tall. Good posture makes you look confident.

Put your handbag in your left hand so you’re not fumbling to shake his hand with your right. A good handshake is crucial, studies show.

Make sure your outfit is appropriate for the venue and that you’re not drowning in perfume. He can definitely smell that in seven seconds!

Are you surprised that people are so quick to judge (I mean, seven seconds?!)? Do you remember to breathe out and straighten up? Do you have a blind date this week?